Five Years Ago, Today, and Tomorrow
Tuesday morning. Running late to work. The world is normal. The radio is tuned to a local talk show station, politics and traffic. Wishing all the cars on the Southwest Freeway would part and allow me through.
Then a news break interrupts the show. A plane has crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I’m thinking what a tragic accident. Wondering if NYC was fogged over, though I had no knowledge of their weather patterns. Thinking the plane’s radar should have picked up the building. Plane must have had some major problems.
Traffic moves no quicker and I’m going to be late. Nothing new. Then another plane strikes the other tower. And then I knew the world was changed and it could only be for the worse. I can believe there is a chance for one plane to collide with a building. But two is far too coincidental. I recalled a Tom Clancy book titled, Debt of Honor. At the end of this story a suicidal pilot crashes a jetliner into the Capital, while the president is addressing the Congress.
I drove on. No need to stop for coffee or donuts. The desire for both have fled. Then another report on the radio. Now the Pentagon has been struck. I look toward downtown as I wind along Shepherd near Buffalo Bayou. i see no aircraft heading toward our skyscrapers.
A few minutes later I park in my spot at Coffer Corporation. I run across the street and drop my lunch and daytimer on my desk. I go next door and ask the clerk if she will turn on her TV? She has no clue what’s happening. I tell her the news and she turns on her little black and white TV. Smoke spews from the World Trade Center. Looking like the pollution vomiting out of the factories of 19th Century America.
We watch shots of people fleeing the towers. I wonder how many people could be inside those buildings. They both can hold tens of thousands of people. People that dropped the kids off at school or daycare. Scratched the family dog behind the ears before rushing to catch a train to the city and the prospects of a day’s hard work. My boss comes and no one thinks of work or financial statements. Some things are bigger than work. This is definitely one of them.’
Then the situation became even more horrid. Debris is constantly falling from the towers. But then a closer picture reveals that some of the debris is human and my stomach knots. Once again the thought comes back. Who would do this? My gut instinct leads me to think of muslim terrorists. After all they tried to destroy one of the towers before. But I did not want to judge too quickly, as thoughts of Oklahoma City also stayed close to mind.
And then one of the towers collapsed. No more sturdy than a house of cards. Steel turned to toothpicks in the heat of burning jet fuel. The thought of those deaths floored me. And then the other building went down. I returned to my desk and started researching news. Trying to catch the early reports. I had to know more of what was going on.
Then I thought about the kids and my missus in Detroit that day. I called the school to see how things were. Asked the secretary if I should pick the kids up early, but they said the day was proceeding normally over there. So I let them stay in class. I called the missus and talked with her. We wondered when she could return home. Air traffic became grounded pretty quickly. Nothing we could control. Just have to wait and see.
The days passed. The missus came home. The kids school continued. We learned of Osama Bin Laden and his hatred for American and the freedom to choose religion. President Bush came out talking tough and his actions were tough too. The Taliban in Afganistan fell shortly afterwards. Then Saddam Hussein was defeated in Iraq. Things seemed on the up. For a few days the politicians seemed to forget about politics. Americans were just, Americans.
Now it is five years later and peace in Iraq is brutal. Suicide bombers and IEDs kill indiscrimantely, Coalition Forces and Iraqis alike. We care more about appeasing the media and pacifistic countries that are scared to fight, rather than seeking the enemies of freedom and killing them. And thats what should be done to them. They should be found and killed. They are not soldiers representing a nation, but criminals hijacking a religion to force their own agenda. If they represent a nation would that nation be so bold as to announce itself. And then we could afford these thugs the status of prisoners of war. We could also invade that nation and step on the snake’s head and end all of this hositility.
But what saddens me the most is that Americans have forgotten 911. They sit idly by allowing their representatives in the Congress to politicize the war and endanger all of us. Problem is the same people that protested the war in Viet Nam are now working in the federal government and they seek to hurt the President no matter how much it might also hurt the American citizenry. I’m tired of dissension in the ranks.
What happened to the anti-sedition laws of this country? Has the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) castrated our ability to protect the homeland. We have open borders. If a person has the will they just need to enter Mexico and sneak across our border. They are provided with maps on where to cross. There are directions on how to avoid the Border Patrol. There are idiots on our side of the border that leave water out to facilitate this illegal migration. What is to keep terrorists from following these routes? Oh. They have found muslim prayer rugs along the border. So maybe they are here already. Waiting for the time to kill.
I want President Bush to start sounding like he did after 911. Maybe the elections are toning him down. But I think an honest message directing us toward a victory could only help. Especially after the Democrats were so upset about Pathway to 911. It is frightening to have a political party and former President threaten the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) with sanctions and pulling their licenses. Shouldn’t the ACLU been helping ABC? Was unaware if they were, and of course *sarcasm alert* we know the ACLU does not have an agenda *end sarcasm alert*. The movie still aired last night and finishes tonight. Unaware if the film was modified to appease the Democrats who sounded very Stalinistic last week. This is why every American needs to own a gun. Maybe more than one. I don’t want to live in Amerika. I refuse to.
I was on the verge of becoming totally apolitical. There are times when I cannot see the difference from a Democrat and a Republican. They have all been spending money like a drunken sailor in a whore house. But when it comes to national defense, I realize that the Democrats will never be the answer. They will appease the Iranian Nazi into starting World War III resulting in millions of deaths. Our world does not need the second coming of Neville Chamberlain.
Liberals may say not enough is being done on domestic policy. But I live in the sovereign state of Texas and I want the Texas Governor and Congress to deal with these local issues. The feds need to tend to their knitting. And that knitting means protecting my nation’s borders and giving my children a future that does not include their premature deaths. We need to stomp on some snake heads and get along with business. Otherwise we shall suffer 911 II. Please tell me that is not what is going to take to find some real Americans.
September 11th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
let’s continue to pray for world peace
September 11th, 2006 at 7:32 pm
I still remember how those towers collapsed. *sad sigh*
September 11th, 2006 at 7:39 pm
no more war pls…
i think the “Terminator” governor can bring more peace…
September 11th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Sometimes we wonder why things cannot be resolved and everyone live in peace, I say that politicians is the reason why, coupled with distrust and long standing feud.
But do we really want hell on earth? What kind of ppl are we supporting here? Are we all so blind that we can just decide to crash a plane and invade countries? All is at fault and all is to blame.
There are much more things at stake here other than a jihad or some WMD. Too powerless to stop them, so, things will happen for those who are in power, we can only hope that we can recover before its too late.
September 11th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
I still recall coming home from dinner…and I saw on CNN this aircraft stuck in a building. Thought that was funny at first and called my wife & girl to have a look! Then the 2nd aircraft crashed into the 2nd tower…and my blood ran cold! It wasn’t any laughing matter after all!!! And when the towers collapsed, so did our hearts…!!! A sad day for the world! Spread the love and keep the peace, everyone!!!
September 11th, 2006 at 9:50 pm
We lost so many lives that day, and we lost so much more as Americans.
You are so right… We have been completely castrated by political correctness and appeasement of liberal media.
Mayor Guilliani (spelling?) stated this morning in an interview that he was shocked that we haven’t had another attack that rivals and/or exceeds 9/11 in it’s magnitude of death and destruction. (Someone’s doing something right …. knock on wood).
September 11th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
That is so sad. i could still recall the shock i had when i got to know about it in the news on TV.
September 12th, 2006 at 12:04 am
everyone’s got their own agenda. sick.
September 12th, 2006 at 12:54 am
I too remember 911. I was in a concall with US, and then they started talking about what they heard on news and not believing it.. Until of course the 2nd tower was hit.
I don’t know about American Politics.. so I can’t comment about that part.. But I think it’s sad that people use religion as an excuse to kill or start a war… that’s so wrong.
September 12th, 2006 at 1:18 am
Well said, SA.. well said!!
September 12th, 2006 at 2:32 am
yeah… those towers on fire could never leave my memory…
I really detest (’hate’-better describe this) when some brainless diapered heads could only think of using religion to get attention.
September 12th, 2006 at 3:33 am
Guns, I was hoping only the military and it’s affiliates would need one.
September 12th, 2006 at 3:33 am
You know, everytime I see the word “Simple America” a vision stuck to my head….
I see SA holding the Stars and Strips wearing a straw hat looking out with a look of pride and dignity in your face. Oh, you are wearing a farmer’s outfit and the flag is waving gently in the breeze…… so you imagine it?
Cheers!
September 12th, 2006 at 8:13 am
it was soo shocking and frightening even for us here in malaysia…
i was actually watching the live news on cnn at around 11pm malaysian time…it seems so surreal at the time..i thought i was watching some sort of action film!!
may those who have perished in the incident rest in peace … amen
September 12th, 2006 at 9:34 am
If the world wants to enjoy peace, we need peace-loving people who learns to respect one another…
September 12th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Chen has the Blue Ribbon comment. I am going to post my thoughts on World peace shortly.
I can never forget May. Haiz… On a happier thought there is a Red Ribbon for you.
The terminator governor is inelgible to run for President, Ah Nel. And I would not want to vote for him. I want Teddy Roosevelt to come back to life and lead the USA. White Ribbon for you.
Man is powerless JoeC. We need a greater power that can sustain us and provide peace.
Yep Suituapui. It was a very surreal image. It must not be forgot. History forgotten is history repeated.
We must be thankful Alisa. The military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement has done a wonderful job to this day. I dislike how the media exposes many of the methods used to deter further attacks against us. Someone needs to call a traitor a traitor and prosecute them as such. The government making statements like Guilliani (sp? me too) and he is not the only one is dangerous. Comments like that can embolden the enemy to continue. Dissension in the government and citizenry serves the same end. We need unity to secure victory and peace.
Yes Jane. It was so shocking.
Agendas kill the golden goose or mountain misti.
When religion is used as a basis for war it serves to strain the acceptance of said religion. But I am beginning to hear more muslim outrage against these jihadist frauds recently. I find that encouraging.
Thanks LB. That means a lot to me.
It is very detestable Angeleyes. And this is probably a legitimate use of hate. Just be careful not to harden your heart.
It’s sad that it has to be that way Shoshana. Guns keep the crime rate down. And when governments take guns from the citizens, atocities are not far to follow. The Nazis in Germany took the guns and then they took the Jews. The Russian Communists took away guns and then purged those that did not conform. Australia has taken guns from its citizenry. The crime rate has arisen in that country ever since. The criminals did not follow the dictates of government and they kept their weapons.
Actually JoeC, your statement reminds me of a picture of my great-grandfather. It is the only picture I have ever seen of him. He wore a flannel shirt and coveralls. A straw hat covered his head and he has a long dark beard. Kind of reminds me of ZZ Top a bit. hehe. He leads a pony by the reins for my Aunt who straddles the pony’s back. He was a salt of the earth Texas farmer living in Grimes County and I wish I could have met him. Well, I will meet him in the next life.
September 12th, 2006 at 10:14 am
I hope the victims are at peace and their family can find hope and comfort Pink Cotton.
Peace is my next topic PY.
September 12th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
911 is a very dark memory for me. I worked at a unit of Charles Schwab that shot data to clients and customers and we had 2 TVs running at all times. I arrived at work just as the second plane hit. The rest of the day I watched the horror, the agony, and the heroism.
We sent out as much information to people as we could, keeping people appraised of the situation, and getting first-hand reports from those at or near Ground Zero. Each one was like listening to a horror show but knowing it wasn’t special effects - just death on a grand scale.
Of all the messages and news we sent out that day, I remember only one with clarity. It was a personal IM sent by a friend who asked what I thought was happening. I could only reply what was going through my head at the time:
“The death of the American way of life.”
On reflection, it’s a bit melodramatic, but accurate.
September 12th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
What a perspective to have Neal5X5. The American way of life certainly got a few teeth knocked out of it. But it takes folks like us to keep up our chin up and our politicians honest to prevent the total loss. With an honest effort and hard work we keep America on the right track.
September 12th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
SA - you are SO right. It makes my blood boil when the media “busts” the government and exposes how it’s working to deter terrorism efforts against the US. Whatever happened to prosecution for treason?
September 12th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
mmmm..I feel sad that everything is being used for political gain. I’m so tired of watching this crap so I turn off the t.v.
September 12th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
Me too Christine. Why waste my time on those bums.
September 14th, 2006 at 9:28 am
Thanks for a very graphic recollection of your side of what happened 5 years ago. On this side, I was home when son called me on the phone, “Hey Dee, have you heard? One of the the towers in NYork has collapsed. It’s on tv now.” That glued me to the tv for the rest of the day.
September 14th, 2006 at 9:31 am
It really glued me to the news more than normal. The rest of the week I was reading news and trying to figure out what I still cannot answer. Why?